Is acute laryngitis in children contagious?

Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

Updated on September 24, 2024

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The situation varies depending on the cause. If it is acute laryngitis caused by an injury, it is not contagious. However, if it is caused by an infection, such as by the epidemic influenza virus, or by Bordetella pertussis causing acute laryngitis, these infectious diseases cause inflammation of the larynx and are contagious. Or in cases of general bacterial and viral infections, there can be cross-infection, but they are not contagious.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

51sec

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Does acute laryngitis in children cause fever?

Generally speaking, acute laryngitis in children is accompanied by fever, as it is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Inflammatory response: redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Local reaction: In children, local infections can easily lead to systemic symptoms, especially fever, which can vary in intensity but generally remains relatively easy to reduce. It is unlikely to be extremely high fever. If the body temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, or if the child shows poor spirits during fever, oral antipyretics or rectal fever suppositories can be used to alleviate the symptoms of fever.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

46sec

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Does acute laryngitis in children require hospitalization?

Acute laryngitis in children is a common illness, and most cases do not require hospitalization. They can be managed in the outpatient clinic with oral medication and nebulization. However, if laryngeal obstruction occurs, especially at the second degree or higher, hospitalization is necessary. Laryngeal obstruction is considered a pediatric emergency, which can quickly worsen, leading to difficulty breathing. Some cases may even require intubation or a tracheotomy as emergency procedures. Delayed medical attention or hospitalization could potentially be life-threatening. Therefore, depending on the severity of the child's condition, hospitalization may be required.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

55sec

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Chances of rescuing children with acute laryngitis

Acute laryngitis in children is mostly caused by viral infections and is self-limiting. However, severe cases of laryngitis can progress to third or fourth degree laryngeal obstruction, which are serious conditions requiring urgent treatment, including intubation or tracheotomy, the use of strong antibiotics, and the application of corticosteroids. Generally speaking, unless it is particularly severe or treatment is sought very late, it is very difficult to administer emergency treatment. For the most part, acute laryngitis in children is relatively easy to control and recover from. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical attention early and receive timely and correct treatment to avoid missing the opportunity for emergency intervention, which could lead to lifelong regrets.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

44sec

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The symptoms of acute laryngitis in children

First and foremost, the most typical symptom is hoarseness of voice, with accompanying symptoms varying depending on the severity of the laryngitis, and symptoms differ. Generally, mild cases may present with cough or fever; a few children might also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If there is laryngeal obstruction, some signs of hypoxia will appear, such as cyanosis, intermittent stridor, profuse sweating, the three-concavity sign, flaring of the nostrils, listlessness, and even some convulsive symptoms.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

39sec

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Can acute laryngitis in children be cured?

Acute laryngitis in children is a self-healing disease, mostly caused by inflammation or injury. Controlling the inflammation or reducing the damage generally allows for self-healing. However, it is of course best to treat according to the cause during the process, eliminate the cause, and then promote the repair of the mucous membrane to achieve cure. Treatment of acute laryngitis in children generally includes symptomatic and etiological treatment. Especially, symptomatic treatment is very important, especially in reducing the severity of laryngeal obstruction.